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Dimapur, April 18 (EMN): Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ), the apex youth organisation of the Rengma community, celebrated its 6th anniversary-cum-general assembly hosted by Kasha Daho youth organisation at Khonibinzun village on April 17 on the theme “Embrace, engage, empower.”
An update from the organisation stated that president of the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), Kekhrie Pfukha, and the president of Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH), N Yanpothung Ezung, were the special guests of the event while Jonathan Mesen, youth secretary of Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC), was the keynote speaker.
It stated that the organisation has approved the new executive council of RSZ for the tenure 2021-23 and also adopted a 3-points resolution during the general assembly. Hechulo Semy introduced the new RSZ executive council headed by Kenneth Kath as president , while Sokenye Kent was re-elected as the general secretary and advisory team consisted of Prof. GT Thong, JG Lorin and Zukeya Woch.
Delivering the solidarity speech, Pfukha iterated the need to strengthen the bond of brotherhood among the Tenyimia family stating that it is not a political body but a fraternal family based on ancestral root. He stressed that the Tenyimia community must strive towards unity and flourish together in the spirit of brotherhood.
He further encouraged RSZ and the Rengma community as a whole to go beyond the parameters of their confinement by connecting with the rest of the Nagas and beyond and to work towards stability among the Nagas.
Also speaking at the programme, Ezung has appreciated the various activities undertaken by RSZ for the welfare of its members. While extending solidarity with RSZ in its journey ahead, he stated that ‘when people of different tribes, race and region come together, they can create extraordinary things and that the key is to cultivate the culture of unity.’
Speaking on the theme, Mesen has stressed on the need to raise a new generation of leaders to lead the masses. He exhorted that those new breed of leaders must have vision for the common welfare.
"We need leaders who stand for truth... ...and have conviction, commitment and vision for our people, and one who will put his career at stake for community welfare," Mesen said.
Further encouraging the members and the leaders present to stand for the truth, he quoted Martin Luther Junior saying, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." He added that as leaders one must not shy away from the truth and must seek to please everyone and above all seek God first.
It added that a symposium on contemporary Rengma issues was also held with Prof. GT Thong, professor of Geology at Nagaland University; and Awa Lorin, deputy chief electoral officer and president of Rengma Officers’ Forum, as the speakers. It stated that speakers have shared the vast array of knowledge on important issues confronting the Rengma community.
The event culminated with “Faces of Rengma Youths” session wherein Rengma youth icons in different fields of work were acknowledged and given the stage to inspire the youths sharing their experiences and knowledge. They included Jonathan Mesen (youth leadership), Obed Kath (music), Joel Nillo Kath (social activism), Hyunilo Anilo Khing (sports management), Kvulo Lorin (education), Nini Cheng (women in politics), Ar. Jwenga Seb (entrepreneurship) and Runchunilo Kemp (social innovation).
Reigning Miss Rengma, Meshenle Seb also spoke on the importance of women's role in the society and encouraged them to take active participation in various social activities. The session also witnessed powerful performances by renowned Rengma singers namely Andrew Thong, Runole Tep and Obed Kath.
It informed that youth from all the Rengma villages, leaders of all the Rengma organisations including Rengma Hoho, Rengma Officers’ Forum, Rengma Mothers’ Association, Rengma Students’ Organisation, Rengma Sports’ Association, Council of Rengma Baptist Churches among others including village leaders, elders, guests and well-wishers attended the celebration.